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Finding Her: A YA Sweet Romance
Levi grumpy hockey player, my new class partner, and the guy I’m apparently supposed to get to go on a date with me.
Why? Because my best friend thought it’d be funny to tell the whole school I could.
I cannot.
Because not only is he moody, mysterious, and allergic to small talk, he has also never dated anyone. Ever.
Good thing my friends have no shortage of plans to win him over—even if each one is more ridiculous than the last.
The only problem? Somewhere in all the fake flirting and scheming… I’ve started to fall for him for real.
Finding Her is a sweet & wholesome grumpy/sunshine romance, set at boarding school. Pre-order your copy today!
Why? Because my best friend thought it’d be funny to tell the whole school I could.
I cannot.
Because not only is he moody, mysterious, and allergic to small talk, he has also never dated anyone. Ever.
Good thing my friends have no shortage of plans to win him over—even if each one is more ridiculous than the last.
The only problem? Somewhere in all the fake flirting and scheming… I’ve started to fall for him for real.
Finding Her is a sweet & wholesome grumpy/sunshine romance, set at boarding school. Pre-order your copy today!
282 pages, Paperback
Published January 31, 2025
508 people are currently reading
891 people want to read
About the author
Clara Nielsen
20 books259 followersClara Nielsen writes sweet & swoony YA romances set in high school, all about shy girls and the boys who are head-over-heels for them. When she’s not busy writing, you’ll probably find her out on the lake, putting together the perfect playlist, or sipping on a chai latte while daydreaming about her next story.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
January 23, 2026
It’s 2:30 in the morning. And I read this in one sitting THIS BOOK WAS SO ADDICTIVE! WHAT WERE IN THE PAGES OF THIS BOOKS!!!????
Plot 5/5
Characters 5/5
Vibes 5/5
Cover 5/5
Cringe 0/5
🌶️0/5
⚔️0/5
🤬 1/5
😘2.5/5
⭐️5/5
I loved this book So SO much! I swear there was something in the pages of this book. I couldn’t stop reading it and I read it in one sitting. My sleep schedule did not like this book because I was up until 2:30 AM reading this!
I loved the characters Lilah was my favorite side character she seemed like the perfect friend for Poppy. I liked how Saylor kept to herself most often, she’s polar opposite from the rest and it felt like good balance for the story instead of everyone being the same. Bear is mine I claim him and no one can stop me. He surprised me first 50 pages he was iffy for me but after continuing the
story it all started to make sense.
This story is so beautiful written, props to the author for making this MASTERPIECE of a book. I am very hard to please when it comes to books but this exceeded my expectations!
I can’t wait to continue with the story and follow along side Saylor and her adventures!
The ONLY thing I can say that was a bit confusing was, Poppy described a scrunchy as purple and when Bear asked what color it was she said it was pink and white. And bear is described as 6’0 and poppy is described as 5’0 then later in the book Bear said she’s normally under his chin and under his nose with heels. This isn’t really a big deal but I am 5 foot myself and my brother is 6 foot and I definitely do not reach his chin not even in heels! 😂this isn’t a big deal at all but I just wanted to put it out there!
*content review*
Bad parents, a couple kisses here and there but nothing to bad. I’m pretty sure there were a couple of swear words but I honestly don’t notice one mention of sending the middle finger emoji and flipping people off.
12+
Plot 5/5
Characters 5/5
Vibes 5/5
Cover 5/5
Cringe 0/5
🌶️0/5
⚔️0/5
🤬 1/5
😘2.5/5
⭐️5/5
I loved this book So SO much! I swear there was something in the pages of this book. I couldn’t stop reading it and I read it in one sitting. My sleep schedule did not like this book because I was up until 2:30 AM reading this!
I loved the characters Lilah was my favorite side character she seemed like the perfect friend for Poppy. I liked how Saylor kept to herself most often, she’s polar opposite from the rest and it felt like good balance for the story instead of everyone being the same. Bear is mine I claim him and no one can stop me. He surprised me first 50 pages he was iffy for me but after continuing the
story it all started to make sense.
This story is so beautiful written, props to the author for making this MASTERPIECE of a book. I am very hard to please when it comes to books but this exceeded my expectations!
I can’t wait to continue with the story and follow along side Saylor and her adventures!
The ONLY thing I can say that was a bit confusing was, Poppy described a scrunchy as purple and when Bear asked what color it was she said it was pink and white. And bear is described as 6’0 and poppy is described as 5’0 then later in the book Bear said she’s normally under his chin and under his nose with heels. This isn’t really a big deal but I am 5 foot myself and my brother is 6 foot and I definitely do not reach his chin not even in heels! 😂this isn’t a big deal at all but I just wanted to put it out there!
*content review*
Bad parents, a couple kisses here and there but nothing to bad. I’m pretty sure there were a couple of swear words but I honestly don’t notice one mention of sending the middle finger emoji and flipping people off.
12+
February 9, 2025
✮⋆˙ 𝗣𝗹𝗼𝘁 ✮⋆˙ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✮⋆˙𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 ✮⋆˙ ⛸️☀️
Maybe I’m being biased with these books but idc. I LOVE how Clara writes her characters to make them so relatable (might just be bc there high schoolers and I’m a high schooler 💀) but like Poppy’s thought process was actually so real throughout the book and I love her for it sm. Bear was relatable to with the parents always thinking they know what’s good for you. I LOVED WHAT HE DID IN THE ENDING. LIKE YEAHHH MAN YEAHHHHH!!!!!!
✮⋆˙𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 ✮⋆˙ 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
THE SLOW BURN WAS BURNING. I love how she included hints about Bear liking her throughout the book without being direct about it. PLUS ITS GRUMPY X SUNSHINE. Who doesn’t love a grumpy X sunshine book? Bear and Poppy had no right being that cute at the end fr.
✮⋆˙𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘀 ✮⋆˙ ⛸️☀️
Maybe I’m being biased with these books but idc. I LOVE how Clara writes her characters to make them so relatable (might just be bc there high schoolers and I’m a high schooler 💀) but like Poppy’s thought process was actually so real throughout the book and I love her for it sm. Bear was relatable to with the parents always thinking they know what’s good for you. I LOVED WHAT HE DID IN THE ENDING. LIKE YEAHHH MAN YEAHHHHH!!!!!!
✮⋆˙𝗥𝗼𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 ✮⋆˙ 🥰🥰🥰🥰🥰
THE SLOW BURN WAS BURNING. I love how she included hints about Bear liking her throughout the book without being direct about it. PLUS ITS GRUMPY X SUNSHINE. Who doesn’t love a grumpy X sunshine book? Bear and Poppy had no right being that cute at the end fr.
February 3, 2025
Book: Finding Her
Author: Clara Nielsen
ARC Review: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice: N/A
Tropes:
- Grumpy × Sunshine
- Boarding School
- Hockey Romance
- Hates everyone but Her
- Young Adult
- Rom-com
Finding Her is a story of two teenagers, Poppy Wade who has been changing schools throughout her life and grumpy Levi "Bear" Barrett who is focused on nothing but Hockey.
When Poppy has to take freshman gym class to make up for the lost credit in GPA, she meets a grumpy cute senior in her gym class who also happens to be a hockey player at school team. Did I tell you he also wants nothing to do with her let alone any girl????
Poppy is determined to make Levi open to her, courtesy of her best friend who not only bets but also announces to the whole school that she's gonna date Levi.
What started as a bet for Poppy and Levi to make her hate him just so he could escape the freshman gym class ends up with them falling in love for each other.
Poppy is everything Levi did not want in a girl, sunshine, talkative, too much happy and always smiling. While Levi seems grumpy he sure has a overprotective bear energy when it comes to Poppy.
The book is fairly clean with little to no spice but that doesn't mean it doesn't have the slow burn. It's cute to them fall in love with each other despite claiming there's nothing between them. Apart from rom-com, the book also touches the topics of controlling parent and separation.
So if you love a cute, relaxing, fun romcom with a touch of coming of age topics, pick this book!
Author: Clara Nielsen
ARC Review: ⭐⭐⭐.75
Spice: N/A
Tropes:
- Grumpy × Sunshine
- Boarding School
- Hockey Romance
- Hates everyone but Her
- Young Adult
- Rom-com
Finding Her is a story of two teenagers, Poppy Wade who has been changing schools throughout her life and grumpy Levi "Bear" Barrett who is focused on nothing but Hockey.
When Poppy has to take freshman gym class to make up for the lost credit in GPA, she meets a grumpy cute senior in her gym class who also happens to be a hockey player at school team. Did I tell you he also wants nothing to do with her let alone any girl????
Poppy is determined to make Levi open to her, courtesy of her best friend who not only bets but also announces to the whole school that she's gonna date Levi.
What started as a bet for Poppy and Levi to make her hate him just so he could escape the freshman gym class ends up with them falling in love for each other.
Poppy is everything Levi did not want in a girl, sunshine, talkative, too much happy and always smiling. While Levi seems grumpy he sure has a overprotective bear energy when it comes to Poppy.
The book is fairly clean with little to no spice but that doesn't mean it doesn't have the slow burn. It's cute to them fall in love with each other despite claiming there's nothing between them. Apart from rom-com, the book also touches the topics of controlling parent and separation.
So if you love a cute, relaxing, fun romcom with a touch of coming of age topics, pick this book!
January 30, 2025
4 🌟
Before I begin I want to thank the author, Clara Nielsen , for giving me this ARC.
"A bear for bear, and yellow for the sunshine girl."
This is my first time reading one of Clara Nielsen's books but I'll definitely will be reading more (next one will be Ivy's book "Heartthrobs don't date Wallflowers"). This was a fast and fun read, a cute little pallet cleanser. I had fun reading this. I really liked that they didn't immediately get together and that there was some build up. The KitKat, the scrunchie, and the teddy bear scene were definitely my favorite.
Before I begin I want to thank the author, Clara Nielsen , for giving me this ARC.
"A bear for bear, and yellow for the sunshine girl."
This is my first time reading one of Clara Nielsen's books but I'll definitely will be reading more (next one will be Ivy's book "Heartthrobs don't date Wallflowers"). This was a fast and fun read, a cute little pallet cleanser. I had fun reading this. I really liked that they didn't immediately get together and that there was some build up. The KitKat, the scrunchie, and the teddy bear scene were definitely my favorite.
April 17, 2025
Cute lowkey don't remember what happened only read it bc it was on kindle unlimited and a hockey romance
Also poppy annoyed me
More in depth review to come but I've been staying off gr until I finished fearless 😭
Also poppy annoyed me
More in depth review to come but I've been staying off gr until I finished fearless 😭
March 18, 2025
rating: 3.4✨
January 13, 2026
it felt really rushed, which is the case in a lot of these types of romances, but otherwise it would've been five stars.
January 12, 2026
A fun cute romance book to keep me happy nothing special!
February 15, 2025
This book was definitely not for me. The writing was good and the plot had potential, but still the book fell through.
I found Poppy too sunny, to the point of irritating and Bear way too grumpy. More than that, I could not understand how and when they fell in love except the fact that the author told us that they fell in love.
Side characters were ok, except I am not a fan of Lilah. Why did she want Poppy to be her roommate? Why was she so adamant that Poppy get together with Bear? And somehow it felt weird that she wanted Poppy to basically wear the shortest clothes possible to seduce Bear more than anything else.
I found Poppy too sunny, to the point of irritating and Bear way too grumpy. More than that, I could not understand how and when they fell in love except the fact that the author told us that they fell in love.
Side characters were ok, except I am not a fan of Lilah. Why did she want Poppy to be her roommate? Why was she so adamant that Poppy get together with Bear? And somehow it felt weird that she wanted Poppy to basically wear the shortest clothes possible to seduce Bear more than anything else.
February 14, 2025
I know this review is extremely late but I can't help it! Time really got in the way of me.
Anyhow, Poppy's story was both what I had hoped for and more. There was drama, there was humor, and there was Bear.
Levi Frickin Barrett.
I've never loved a POV more than i loved reading his. Clara shaped Bear in such a lovable way to where I could see he's a teenager. I feel like this is something people neglect when reading YA. The characters are literally UNDER 18!
Anyway, I love the characters too and I can't wait for book 2 in the Hartwell Academy series!
Anyhow, Poppy's story was both what I had hoped for and more. There was drama, there was humor, and there was Bear.
Levi Frickin Barrett.
I've never loved a POV more than i loved reading his. Clara shaped Bear in such a lovable way to where I could see he's a teenager. I feel like this is something people neglect when reading YA. The characters are literally UNDER 18!
Anyway, I love the characters too and I can't wait for book 2 in the Hartwell Academy series!
September 22, 2025
4,2/5⭐️
February 26, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
this was really cute! very short and not much plot but cute! it was also kinda like they flipped and switch and suddenly liked each other, which was kinda weird, but oh well 🤷♀️ i still enjoyed it!
this was really cute! very short and not much plot but cute! it was also kinda like they flipped and switch and suddenly liked each other, which was kinda weird, but oh well 🤷♀️ i still enjoyed it!
December 23, 2025
Holy crap that was amazing
March 6, 2025
"Finding Her" by Clara Nielsen is a fun addition to the Hartwell Series, giving readers a lovely and wholesome young adult romance. The story follows Levi Barrett, a grumpy yet fascinating hockey player, and his unexpected bond with his new class partner. What starts off as a playful bet from their friends turns into a heartfelt journey of self-discovery and real emotions.
The book does a great job capturing the ups and downs of high school life, mixing in humor, awkward moments, and sweet feelings. The author's writing stands out as she shows how the characters' relationship develops, making it relatable and super cute. The "grumpy/sunshine" dynamic is really well done, and the boarding school vibes add a nice cozy touch to the whole story.
In "Finding Her," the relationship between Levi Barrett and his class partner kicks off with some fun tension and playful teasing. Levi, with his grumpy and reserved nature, stands in stark contrast to his partner's cheerful and outgoing vibe. At first, their connection feels pretty superficial, fueled by curiosity and a bit of friendly competition.
As the story goes on, we get to see more layers of their personalities. Levi starts to drop his defenses, revealing a more vulnerable and softer side. Through shared experiences, challenges, and heartfelt talks, their bond slowly transforms into one of trust and understanding. What began as a casual friendship evolves into a meaningful romantic connection, built on genuine care and emotional growth.
If you love lighthearted romances with a bit of depth, "Finding Her" is definitely a must-read. Clara Nielsen beautifully captures this gradual change, making it feel both realistic and heartwarming. The way Levi and Poppy's relationship develops emphasizes themes of personal growth, acceptance, and the magic of unexpected connections. It’s a delightful journey that readers will definitely root for!
The book does a great job capturing the ups and downs of high school life, mixing in humor, awkward moments, and sweet feelings. The author's writing stands out as she shows how the characters' relationship develops, making it relatable and super cute. The "grumpy/sunshine" dynamic is really well done, and the boarding school vibes add a nice cozy touch to the whole story.
In "Finding Her," the relationship between Levi Barrett and his class partner kicks off with some fun tension and playful teasing. Levi, with his grumpy and reserved nature, stands in stark contrast to his partner's cheerful and outgoing vibe. At first, their connection feels pretty superficial, fueled by curiosity and a bit of friendly competition.
As the story goes on, we get to see more layers of their personalities. Levi starts to drop his defenses, revealing a more vulnerable and softer side. Through shared experiences, challenges, and heartfelt talks, their bond slowly transforms into one of trust and understanding. What began as a casual friendship evolves into a meaningful romantic connection, built on genuine care and emotional growth.
If you love lighthearted romances with a bit of depth, "Finding Her" is definitely a must-read. Clara Nielsen beautifully captures this gradual change, making it feel both realistic and heartwarming. The way Levi and Poppy's relationship develops emphasizes themes of personal growth, acceptance, and the magic of unexpected connections. It’s a delightful journey that readers will definitely root for!
July 1, 2025
There's a kernel of a good story here, but I kept wishing the author had a strong editor. The h was all over the place. She apparently talks nonstop, to an annoying degree, in her first few encounters with the H, but then not really ever again and not with her friends, and this is never acknowledged, not even as a nervous thing? She gets out of breath trying to keep up with her roommate on a fast walk and says she lies in bed and eats chips as her athletic activity, but then she's able to keep up - while smiling! - with the brutally fast running pace set by a hockey player who skates constantly? (Has the author ever skated as fast and as long as hockey players do in a game? It's exhausting.) Also, she's a doormat who lets some girl she just met railroad her into becoming roommates (WTH?), buy clothes she doesn't want to war, and publicly agree to a bet to date the H, even while bemoaning that this isn't what she wants, blah blah.
In spite of all this, I found both characters likeable. They just didn't quite make sense.
In spite of all this, I found both characters likeable. They just didn't quite make sense.
February 17, 2025
This had a promising premise set in a boarding school with this hockey player who ends up put in an all girl gym class and how he tries to get out of it. Sounds like a fun story with these teens getting into shenanigans. However I was expecting YA level writing. This was not that. This read like a middle grade novel about kids in a middle school talking about how girls are gross and clingy and a girl who isn't like other girls because she is just herself and she is always happy go lucky. The third act kind of break up was so laughably clingy I almost just completely skipped it. There was so much repetitive writing in this that it needs really throughout editing. However it did keep me reading so the author has a good voice I was just hoping for something a little different. Probably better for a middle school audience with more revision.
June 20, 2025
2.5 🌟 Easily the best Clara Nielsen book I’ve read.
Both lead characters were very likeable and I was enjoying watching their friendship develop.
There wasn’t really any romance / attraction though, so even though I knew it was coming, it felt out of place.
The conflict was stupid as was the hockey drama with his dad which felt tacked on to hit a trope, and a lot of what happened was extremely unrealistic (single older boy forced on a female gym class camping trip).
I’m not sure I could recommend it when there are better books out there, but if you’re new to Clara’s books, start here, just brace yourself for typos since she doesn’t bother with an editor.
Both lead characters were very likeable and I was enjoying watching their friendship develop.
There wasn’t really any romance / attraction though, so even though I knew it was coming, it felt out of place.
The conflict was stupid as was the hockey drama with his dad which felt tacked on to hit a trope, and a lot of what happened was extremely unrealistic (single older boy forced on a female gym class camping trip).
I’m not sure I could recommend it when there are better books out there, but if you’re new to Clara’s books, start here, just brace yourself for typos since she doesn’t bother with an editor.
January 30, 2025
Reading this book felt like watching a classic high school romcom. While it was sometimes cringey or overly dramatic, that only added to its authenticity—it truly captured the kinds of problems that feel monumental to sixteen-year-olds. Overall, it was a lighthearted and easy read. Despite some pacing issues and grammatical mistakes, I still enjoyed it and would recommend for tweens/teens.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
February 20, 2025
This is a sweet, funny, cute, loving, and entertaining YA read. Poppy is adorable and Bear was broody, but in a loving way. Just like any young adult relationship, this has high school drama, family issues, and a happily ever after. I would definitely read other books from this author after reading this one. Loved the story all around.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
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May 12, 2025
Just a light-hearted romance read. I don’t usually read high school romance books so some parts were undeniably cringe but they made me laugh anyways.
It’s a good pasttime breather from serious books or books with heavy topics.
It’s a good pasttime breather from serious books or books with heavy topics.
January 31, 2025
3.5 ⭐️
Was a really cute and easy to read romance!
Thank you to the author for the arc 🥹🤍
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
📚𝖦𝗋𝗎𝗆𝗉𝗒 𝖷 𝖲𝗎𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗇𝖾
🏒𝖸𝖠 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
📚𝖡𝗈𝖺𝗋𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖲𝖼𝗁𝗈𝗈𝗅
🏒𝖧𝗈𝖼𝗄𝖾𝗒 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
Was a really cute and easy to read romance!
Thank you to the author for the arc 🥹🤍
𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀:
📚𝖦𝗋𝗎𝗆𝗉𝗒 𝖷 𝖲𝗎𝗇𝗌𝗁𝗂𝗇𝖾
🏒𝖸𝖠 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
📚𝖡𝗈𝖺𝗋𝖽𝗂𝗇𝗀 𝖲𝖼𝗁𝗈𝗈𝗅
🏒𝖧𝗈𝖼𝗄𝖾𝗒 𝖱𝗈𝗆𝖺𝗇𝖼𝖾
February 20, 2025
Good read. I enjoy Yong adult stories. Not too complex. Easy to read and follow plus a funny plot … The be. Plus a background that adds to the story. All in all a good read.
January 31, 2025
(Spoilers in this review)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
“For what it’s worth.” “I’ll never forget you”
(This was an arc! I’m very thankful to the author for giving me this arc in exchange for a honest review)
Tropes: sunshine x grumpy, hockey boy, ya, rom-com, etc
This book was very cute and had me smiling and giggling but it took a bit for me to get to that part in the book. Now when I first read poppies point of view I liked her. She was a girl trying to not let the negativity in life get to her, she was the sunshine. But for me it was almost too much, she was very preppy and could be annoying at times. And when I first read bears pov, and when he first met poppy I was feeling exactly like he was. She was just talking, and talking even when he didn’t answer and barely looked at her this irritated me slightly (probably because I’m more quiet) and in that moment I felt bad for bear. BUT! As everything progressed I started to like her and understand her and I’m happy bear got his sunshine.
I loved bear from the start and I loved his friends they made me laugh and I’m excited to read about them. For poppies friends I liked Saylor (I’m very excited for her book) and her sister ivy (I would have like to see more of her and poppies family) but I didn’t like Lilith very much, I understand she wanted poppy to have the best and have love but to me she didn’t seem like a true friend.
The drama with bear and his father(and Claire 😳) gave me the slight tension I needed and I was very happy when bear finally stood up for himself and said that he wasn’t going to let his father control his every decision anymore. I loved that part of the book and I think it was a great ending along with him meeting poppies parents, it was the cherry on top.
When I’m feeling down or am just needing a little boost this would definitely be a reread.
Quotes I love
“Let me tell you something about teenage girls: they terrify me.”
“I wasn’t allowed to have a life outside of hockey. I wasn’t allowed to be anyone outside of hockey. And I was sick of it. It had cost me so much of my life, and I wasn’t about to let it cost me Poppy.”
“You” (iykyk)
Rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️.75
“For what it’s worth.” “I’ll never forget you”
(This was an arc! I’m very thankful to the author for giving me this arc in exchange for a honest review)
Tropes: sunshine x grumpy, hockey boy, ya, rom-com, etc
This book was very cute and had me smiling and giggling but it took a bit for me to get to that part in the book. Now when I first read poppies point of view I liked her. She was a girl trying to not let the negativity in life get to her, she was the sunshine. But for me it was almost too much, she was very preppy and could be annoying at times. And when I first read bears pov, and when he first met poppy I was feeling exactly like he was. She was just talking, and talking even when he didn’t answer and barely looked at her this irritated me slightly (probably because I’m more quiet) and in that moment I felt bad for bear. BUT! As everything progressed I started to like her and understand her and I’m happy bear got his sunshine.
I loved bear from the start and I loved his friends they made me laugh and I’m excited to read about them. For poppies friends I liked Saylor (I’m very excited for her book) and her sister ivy (I would have like to see more of her and poppies family) but I didn’t like Lilith very much, I understand she wanted poppy to have the best and have love but to me she didn’t seem like a true friend.
The drama with bear and his father(and Claire 😳) gave me the slight tension I needed and I was very happy when bear finally stood up for himself and said that he wasn’t going to let his father control his every decision anymore. I loved that part of the book and I think it was a great ending along with him meeting poppies parents, it was the cherry on top.
When I’m feeling down or am just needing a little boost this would definitely be a reread.
Quotes I love
“Let me tell you something about teenage girls: they terrify me.”
“I wasn’t allowed to have a life outside of hockey. I wasn’t allowed to be anyone outside of hockey. And I was sick of it. It had cost me so much of my life, and I wasn’t about to let it cost me Poppy.”
“You” (iykyk)
February 15, 2025
Finding her
Een leuke roman met de trope grumpy x sunshine. En dat merk je wel🤭 ik heb erg genoten van dit boek. Het is een wat kleiner verhaal. Maar er gebeurt genoeg. Dit is het eerste deel van de serie en het beloofd al veel goeds voor de rest van de boeken.
Het verhaal heeft een fijne opbouw en schrijfstijl. Ook de personages vond ik erg leuk. Hun karakters paste geweldig bij elkaar. Het verhaal is tijdens middelbare school en op een kostschool. Je leest over de rivaliteit tijdens school, de gym les, een school trip en natuurlijk een crush en vriendjes. Dit verhaal is een highschool roman met een vleugje drama wat ik erg vermakkelijk vond.
Het verhaal:
Levi Barrett: grumpy hockey player, my new class partner, and the guy I’m apparently supposed to get to go on a date with me.
Why? Because my best friend thought it’d be funny to tell the whole school I could. Spoiler: I cannot. Because not only is he moody, mysterious, and allergic to small talk, he has also never dated anyone. Ever. Good thing my friends have no shortage of plans to win him over—even if each one is more ridiculous than the last. The only problem? Somewhere in all the fake flirting and scheming… I’ve started to fall for him for real.
🇬🇧A fun novel with the trope grumpy x sunshine. And you can tell🤭 I really enjoyed this book. It is a somewhat smaller story. But enough happens. This is the first part of the series and it already promises a lot of good for the rest of the books.
The story has a nice structure and writing style. I also really liked the characters. Their characters fit together perfectly. The story is during high school and at a boarding school. You read about the rivalry during school, the gym class, a school trip and of course a crush and boyfriends. This story is a high school novel with a touch of drama which I found very entertaining.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsfebruari #boekstagram #bookblogger #lekkerlezen #leesmaand #boekenmaand #boekentips #boekenplank #feelgood #readingisgoodforthesoul #booklover #booksbooksbooks #boekenwurm #spreadthebooklove #sharethebooklove
Een leuke roman met de trope grumpy x sunshine. En dat merk je wel🤭 ik heb erg genoten van dit boek. Het is een wat kleiner verhaal. Maar er gebeurt genoeg. Dit is het eerste deel van de serie en het beloofd al veel goeds voor de rest van de boeken.
Het verhaal heeft een fijne opbouw en schrijfstijl. Ook de personages vond ik erg leuk. Hun karakters paste geweldig bij elkaar. Het verhaal is tijdens middelbare school en op een kostschool. Je leest over de rivaliteit tijdens school, de gym les, een school trip en natuurlijk een crush en vriendjes. Dit verhaal is een highschool roman met een vleugje drama wat ik erg vermakkelijk vond.
Het verhaal:
Levi Barrett: grumpy hockey player, my new class partner, and the guy I’m apparently supposed to get to go on a date with me.
Why? Because my best friend thought it’d be funny to tell the whole school I could. Spoiler: I cannot. Because not only is he moody, mysterious, and allergic to small talk, he has also never dated anyone. Ever. Good thing my friends have no shortage of plans to win him over—even if each one is more ridiculous than the last. The only problem? Somewhere in all the fake flirting and scheming… I’ve started to fall for him for real.
🇬🇧A fun novel with the trope grumpy x sunshine. And you can tell🤭 I really enjoyed this book. It is a somewhat smaller story. But enough happens. This is the first part of the series and it already promises a lot of good for the rest of the books.
The story has a nice structure and writing style. I also really liked the characters. Their characters fit together perfectly. The story is during high school and at a boarding school. You read about the rivalry during school, the gym class, a school trip and of course a crush and boyfriends. This story is a high school novel with a touch of drama which I found very entertaining.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsfebruari #boekstagram #bookblogger #lekkerlezen #leesmaand #boekenmaand #boekentips #boekenplank #feelgood #readingisgoodforthesoul #booklover #booksbooksbooks #boekenwurm #spreadthebooklove #sharethebooklove
May 21, 2025
I was in the mood for a sweet YA romance. This one came up while I was searching and see that the MMC is a grumpy hockey player, I knew I needed to read it. Poppy has to take a PE class her Junior year and Bear (Levi) failed PE so has to take it his senior year. It also just so happens to be an all girls p.e class and so many girls are obsessed with him. Bear doesn’t care because he isn’t allowed to date. Poppy is so bubbly and just happy to be alive and Bear is pissed off all the time. Even if he isn’t, he looks and acts like he is. I loved their interactions and I loved how Poppy would never shut up. Lilah is Poppy’s roommate and she is convinced if Poppy changes how she dresses and acts she will win over Bear’s heart. This plan annoyed me because he is already showing her some attention BEFORE she started changing things. So why? I really loved the whole other girl being into Bear and him not being interested. Claire is a family friend and the families say her and Bear will be getting married. She obviously loves this plan and Poppy gets in the way of that. Claire decides to make a bet with Poppy that she will get him to date her before Poppy does. Claire is the typical mean girl and Poppy says “sure” to get her to leave her alone. Claire thinks she has it in the bag. Then the P.E Class camping trip happens and guess who has to share a tent? Poppy and Bear. That would NEVER happen IRL but in this book it did. This is a clean romance so nothing happens but they do kiss and someone gets a photo of it. Once that photo is out Bear decides to say he is dating Poppy and she goes along with it. It jumps SUPER fast from that to him saying he loves her and actually means it. The book isn’t that long so the pacing was just kind of wonky. It was a cute story though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 1, 2025
Finding Her
by: Clara Nielsen
@claranielsenbooks
"ALL I EVER WANTED WAS YOU."
~Somewhere in all the fake flirting and scheming... I’ve started to fall for him for real…
-Finding Her, is a quick but delightful YA romcom. It has grumpy/sunshine, hockey, sweet and swoony moments, forced proximity, set at a boarding school. Involves some hockey and gym class woes. What I liked about this story was watching how a positive perspective no matter the circumstances makes. It’s contagious and feels like sunshine. It attracts and helps melt away grumpiness from those around you. Watching characters trying their best to live up to strict expectations while not being happy tugs on the heartstring. But, then to see characters finally standing up and getting those feelings out of what they want is inspiring. Standing your ground for what is important to you and being able to make your own choices to be happy matters. The characters, the sweet sparks of chemistry, and humor infused into this story was great as well! 🙌��📚☺️
“For what it’s worth,” he murmured, “I’ll never forget you.”
-Content: middle finger hand gesture uses a few times, mentioning of drinking, kisses.
“You’re gonna go far in life. “And it doesn’t matter if that’s the NHL or some corporate job. Whatever you do, you’re gonna be fine.”
#findingher
#claranielsen
#allaboutthebestreads
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Being with you,” I whispered, “is never the last place I want to be.”
by: Clara Nielsen
@claranielsenbooks
"ALL I EVER WANTED WAS YOU."
~Somewhere in all the fake flirting and scheming... I’ve started to fall for him for real…
-Finding Her, is a quick but delightful YA romcom. It has grumpy/sunshine, hockey, sweet and swoony moments, forced proximity, set at a boarding school. Involves some hockey and gym class woes. What I liked about this story was watching how a positive perspective no matter the circumstances makes. It’s contagious and feels like sunshine. It attracts and helps melt away grumpiness from those around you. Watching characters trying their best to live up to strict expectations while not being happy tugs on the heartstring. But, then to see characters finally standing up and getting those feelings out of what they want is inspiring. Standing your ground for what is important to you and being able to make your own choices to be happy matters. The characters, the sweet sparks of chemistry, and humor infused into this story was great as well! 🙌��📚☺️
“For what it’s worth,” he murmured, “I’ll never forget you.”
-Content: middle finger hand gesture uses a few times, mentioning of drinking, kisses.
“You’re gonna go far in life. “And it doesn’t matter if that’s the NHL or some corporate job. Whatever you do, you’re gonna be fine.”
#findingher
#claranielsen
#allaboutthebestreads
-I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
“Being with you,” I whispered, “is never the last place I want to be.”
February 23, 2026
3.75
Don't get me wrong, I liked this book, but some things that didn't make sense really annoyed me. (PS: I'm not hating!)
1. Poppy saying she's the "only one that calls Levi Bear" when literally their GYM TEACHER calls him Bear.
2. Why is gym class so important? Their lockers are with everyone's of this class. They're going on a camping trip all together AND it's part of the grade??
3. In the first chapter, Poppy is rude to Lilah and isn't talking much much but suddenly when she meets Bear he describes her as a "sunshine girl" and says she can't shut up. (she apparently talked for a whole class to someone who definitely wasn't interested)
(‼️possible spoilers from here‼️)
4. What in the third act break up was that last part of the book? They fight about something Bear did/didn't tell her, they solve it out together and a chapter later she they fight AGAIN but this time about something Poppy did. At least they talked it through and didn't break up (they weren't even together... I think?)
5. How did they fall in love overnight? First, Bear hates her because she's annoying. After, they somehow become friends and the second they go on a camping trip they fall in love and can't live without each other (okay maybe I'm exaggerating a little)
6. I felt like there was no plot except from the romance. Yes, there were some cute moments that made me giggle, but other than that?
So, good book but with some annoying things. No spice, 🇨🇦 author (just like me!) and indie author! I would recommend it!
Don't get me wrong, I liked this book, but some things that didn't make sense really annoyed me. (PS: I'm not hating!)
1. Poppy saying she's the "only one that calls Levi Bear" when literally their GYM TEACHER calls him Bear.
2. Why is gym class so important? Their lockers are with everyone's of this class. They're going on a camping trip all together AND it's part of the grade??
3. In the first chapter, Poppy is rude to Lilah and isn't talking much much but suddenly when she meets Bear he describes her as a "sunshine girl" and says she can't shut up. (she apparently talked for a whole class to someone who definitely wasn't interested)
(‼️possible spoilers from here‼️)
4. What in the third act break up was that last part of the book? They fight about something Bear did/didn't tell her, they solve it out together and a chapter later she they fight AGAIN but this time about something Poppy did. At least they talked it through and didn't break up (they weren't even together... I think?)
5. How did they fall in love overnight? First, Bear hates her because she's annoying. After, they somehow become friends and the second they go on a camping trip they fall in love and can't live without each other (okay maybe I'm exaggerating a little)
6. I felt like there was no plot except from the romance. Yes, there were some cute moments that made me giggle, but other than that?
So, good book but with some annoying things. No spice, 🇨🇦 author (just like me!) and indie author! I would recommend it!
February 4, 2025
Thank you booksirens for the arc for review. I love this one . It had the typical high school setting but at a boarding school. The grumpy sunshine vibe was well done . It’s connected to her other books in Westwood academy not sure if connected to others as I’ve only read those. It brings back the high school years and the good times from high school .
Levi has high expectations set by his family and not had a chance to do what he wants but when he met poppy he realized there was more to life .
Hockey is great but what if it’s not what he wants . Never had a chance to do otherwise .
Claire is the daughter of a fellow family but he’s never liked her and they expect him to be with her because they said so.
I loved watching Levi (bear) and poppy grow as the book went on. You seem him go from this closed off guy who doesn’t date and avoids girls to a happy affectionate guy.
This book made me feel carefree and happy with no responsibilities of my youth and the ability to relive it without turning back time .
Poppy has always felt on the outside with her constant moving due to her parents job but this time she wants it to stick and here feels like home .
Levi has high expectations set by his family and not had a chance to do what he wants but when he met poppy he realized there was more to life .
Hockey is great but what if it’s not what he wants . Never had a chance to do otherwise .
Claire is the daughter of a fellow family but he’s never liked her and they expect him to be with her because they said so.
I loved watching Levi (bear) and poppy grow as the book went on. You seem him go from this closed off guy who doesn’t date and avoids girls to a happy affectionate guy.
This book made me feel carefree and happy with no responsibilities of my youth and the ability to relive it without turning back time .
Poppy has always felt on the outside with her constant moving due to her parents job but this time she wants it to stick and here feels like home .
November 24, 2025
-5 stars ⭐️
I love this one . It had the typical high school setting but at a boarding school. The grumpy sunshine vibe was well done . It’s connected to her other books in Westwood academy not sure if connected to others as I’ve only read those. It brings back the high school years and the good times from high school .
Levi has high expectations set by his family and not had a chance to do what he wants but when he met poppy he realized there was more to life .
Hockey is great but what if it’s not what he wants . Never had a chance to do otherwise .
Claire is the daughter of a fellow family but he’s never liked her and they expect him to be with her because they said so.
I loved watching Levi (bear) and poppy grow as the book went on. You seem him go from this closed off guy who doesn’t date and avoids girls to a happy affectionate guy.
This book made me feel carefree and happy with no responsibilities of my youth and the ability to relive it without turning back time .
Poppy has always felt on the outside with her constant moving due to her parents job but this time she wants it to stick and here feels like home .
I love this one . It had the typical high school setting but at a boarding school. The grumpy sunshine vibe was well done . It’s connected to her other books in Westwood academy not sure if connected to others as I’ve only read those. It brings back the high school years and the good times from high school .
Levi has high expectations set by his family and not had a chance to do what he wants but when he met poppy he realized there was more to life .
Hockey is great but what if it’s not what he wants . Never had a chance to do otherwise .
Claire is the daughter of a fellow family but he’s never liked her and they expect him to be with her because they said so.
I loved watching Levi (bear) and poppy grow as the book went on. You seem him go from this closed off guy who doesn’t date and avoids girls to a happy affectionate guy.
This book made me feel carefree and happy with no responsibilities of my youth and the ability to relive it without turning back time .
Poppy has always felt on the outside with her constant moving due to her parents job but this time she wants it to stick and here feels like home .
February 21, 2025
🌟:4.5 🌶:none 📖:5 🧼:4
This book was really cute!! I really liked this author's writing. It was easy to read but I do feel like I wanted a bit more descriptions about the school, characters, etc. I love Poppy and Bear and I felt the conflicts between them were believable. The cafeteria scene at the end = 😍 👌
My only thing about Poppy and Bears relationship is I wanted more a slow burn between them. I just felt like I wanted more romantic tension building up between them. I really loved the side characters, and I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!!! I need to see when that comes out, lol. There is a lot of spelling/grammar mistakes but most of them are tiny and the author's writing outshines the mistakes.
Tropes
-Sports romance
-Bet
-Forced proximity
Content warnings ⚠️
-Passionate kisses
- Some cursing and the middle finger
OVERALL AGE RATING
11/12+
Star rating system
1: Really really didn't like
2: Not for me
3: I enjoyed myself but nothing memorable
4: Really liked it
5: LOVED IT
🌟: star rating 🌶:spice rating
📖: readability 🧼:cleanliness
This book was really cute!! I really liked this author's writing. It was easy to read but I do feel like I wanted a bit more descriptions about the school, characters, etc. I love Poppy and Bear and I felt the conflicts between them were believable. The cafeteria scene at the end = 😍 👌
My only thing about Poppy and Bears relationship is I wanted more a slow burn between them. I just felt like I wanted more romantic tension building up between them. I really loved the side characters, and I'M SO EXCITED FOR THE NEXT BOOK!!!! I need to see when that comes out, lol. There is a lot of spelling/grammar mistakes but most of them are tiny and the author's writing outshines the mistakes.
Tropes
-Sports romance
-Bet
-Forced proximity
Content warnings ⚠️
-Passionate kisses
- Some cursing and the middle finger
OVERALL AGE RATING
11/12+
Star rating system
1: Really really didn't like
2: Not for me
3: I enjoyed myself but nothing memorable
4: Really liked it
5: LOVED IT
🌟: star rating 🌶:spice rating
📖: readability 🧼:cleanliness
Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews